contemn

verb

kən-ˈtem How to pronounce contemn (audio)
Definition of contemnnext
as in to disdain
to show contempt for arrogant critics who contemn the general public's taste in art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemn are despise, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When is despise a more appropriate choice than contemn?

While the synonyms despise and contemn are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When can disdain be used instead of contemn?

The words disdain and contemn can be used in similar contexts, but disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might scorn be a better fit than contemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemn, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contemn Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP. —Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
  1. disdain
  2. hate
  3. disrespect
  4. despise
  5. scorn
Verb
  • These days, sports gambling is legal in 39 states, accessible on your phone app in 30 and, in dozens of places, actually paying millions in sponsorship deals to the very college programs that disdain this kind of activity by their players.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026
  • At his behest Aurangzeb—who disdained poetry—sent agents across India and Persia to assemble a literary circle befitting her.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of disdain
Verb
  • Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer Case This Bagsmart jewelry organizer will definitely get stolen by anyone who hates traveling without their shiny accessories.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025
  • Bailee has always hated school dances.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
Definition of hate
Verb
  • From disrespecting local customs and getting pickpocketed to forgetting to reapply sunscreen and overpacking, European tour guides have truly seen it all.
    — Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
  • No organization should ignore behavior that makes colleagues feel unsafe or disrespected.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of disrespect
Verb
  • The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others.
    — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • There was a time when famed hedonistic hostess Rebekah Harkness despised parties.
    — Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026
Definition of despise
Verb
  • For years, Knicks owner James Dolan has been scorned by fans.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 June 2026
  • Those who believed in finvenkismo scorned Raŭmismo.
    — Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
Definition of scorn

Browse Nearby Words

contaminations
contemn
contemned
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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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